Boeheim Quotes Morgan State
Syracuse vs. Morgan State
December 20, 2010
Syracuse, N.Y. – Carrier Dome
Head Coach Jim Boeheim Postgame Quotes
Opening Statement:
“I thought we shot the ball really well. Rick (Jackson) really bounced back. We had a lot of energy. James (Southerland) got comfortable and got some open shots. He is fully capable of making those shots it just took him a while to get comfortable. I thought Fab (Melo) and Baye (Moussa Keita) did a really good job down there. Both freshmen together, that’s the best they have played so that was positive. Wednesday is going to be really difficult. Drexel is a really good, really physical team. We get one day off and get ready to get here on Wednesday.”
You had 34 assists and 39 made baskets. Is that the best you can do offensively?
“That is pretty good; everybody looked for each other. They were not selfish and we moved the ball. Everybody passed well, Dion (Waiters) passed the ball well, Brandon (Triche) with seven assists and no turnovers and that was really good.
What do you want Fab Melo to do defensively?
“I want him to play good defense. He has to play the middle, protect the basket, and block shots if there are opportunities that come around the basket. The same thing with every center that has ever played has to do. Both Baye (Moussa-Keita) and Melo. I thought tonight they were really comfortable on offense. They made a couple of really good passes and the first play Fab got up there and got that ball. These are all things that he would be much further advanced if he didn’t have this injury. He was starting to come along and this set him back a bit. We are fortunate that Baye (Moussa Keita) is really good and Rick (Jackson) can come in and play that position as well.”
How much better has this team gotten since the beginning of the season?
“We are certainly shooting better, which is a big factor. Our offense is getting better but we have a lot of work to do.”
In the beginning of the year James Southerland struggled with his outside shot -- the past couple of games he knocked a couple down. What has changed?
“Nothing. He is a young player and he did not play last year. He struggled early which happens but he is getting more confident, it just takes time.”
You have obviously won 12 in a row, could you just put it in perspective of what Gino Auriemma’s team is trying to do tomorrow night?
“It is a great story in basketball. There is nothing greater in women’s or men’s basketball. What they have done and how they’ve done it. It is just epic the way they play every night and the way they beat people. It was seven games 0-10 points out of 88 teams which is unbelievable. They play at a high level every time they go out. They have a tough game against Stanford and I knew they have to look out for them when I saw the schedule. If they get by Stanford I don’t think you can stop them this year.”
Could you talk about C.J.’s (Fair) injury?
“He is making some progress and we are very hopeful he will be able to practice when we get back.”
